Question 1

Is the lab technician coming for the HBsAg test sample collection vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our phlebotomists are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask, gloves and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.

Question 2

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Accepted Answer

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

Question 3

How can I download my HBsAg test report?

Accepted Answer

Login to MFine
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report 
Download the report

Question 4

Are there any discount offers running on the HBsAg test?

Accepted Answer

Usually, you can avail of up to 50% discount on the HBsAg test through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

Some symptoms of hepatitis B infection include-

Fever 
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
Loss of appetite 
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Joint pain
Yellowing of sclera (white part of the eye) 
Jaundice (a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin).

Question 6

How does hepatitis B transmission take place?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B transmission occurs through sexual contact, sharing of infected needles, the transmission from mother to child, accidental needle sticks, among others. 
Sexual contact– Transmission occurs when the blood, semen, saliva, or vaginal secretions infected with the virus enter an uninfected individual. 
Sharing of infected needles or syringes– Sharing syringes or needles contaminated with the hepatitis B virus results in its transmission. 
Mother-to-child transmission– A mother infected with the hepatitis B virus can pass it to the developing baby.  
Contact with blood of an infected person  – like in Blood transfusions.

Question 7

What are the other diagnostic tests available for screening hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

A combination of blood tests, a liver ultrasound test, and a liver biopsy test are used for assessing hepatitis B infection.

Blood tests– Blood tests are generally used to screen for hepatitis B infection and determine if a person has developed immunity post-infection or vaccination. Following blood tests are available for screening hepatitis B infection apart from HBsAg test-

i) Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) or anti-HBs test: This test detects if antibodies have developed against HBsAg. A positive result in this test indicates a person has developed protective antibodies against the hepatitis B virus, either due to past infection or following vaccination. The person is immune against hepatitis B infection and thus cannot transmit the infection. 
ii) Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) or anti-HBc test: HBcAb test evaluates the presence of antibodies developed against the hepatitis B core antigen. This antibody does not confer protection against the virus, and the result of this test is always interpreted along with results from HBsAg and HBsAb tests.

iii) Immunoglobulin M (IgM) hepatitis B core antibody (IgM anti-HBc): IgM anti-HBc detects only the presence of IgM antibodies against Hepatitis B core antigen. This test is used in conjunction with results from other hepatitis B screening tests for interpreting the clinical status of hepatitis B infection.

iv) Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg): This test detects the presence of hepatitis B e antigen in the blood. HBeAg is a protein produced by the virus during its replication. A positive result in the HBeAg test indicates that an individual has an active hepatitis B infection and can spread the infection to others. 
v) Hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe): This test detects the presence of antibodies against HBeAg. The appearance of anti-HBe and the disappearance of HBeAg indicate clinical improvement. 
vi) Hepatitis B viral DNA: This test detects the presence of viral genetic material in the blood. A positive result indicates active replication of viral in an individual. The test is commonly used to examine the efficaciousness of the antiviral treatment.

Liver ultrasound test– An ultrasound of the liver evaluates the extent of liver damage caused due to hepatitis B infection. 
Liver biopsy– A small amount of liver tissue is removed to determine the extent of liver injury.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend liver function tests that measure the number of various liver enzymes to determine the clinical status of hepatitis B infection.

Question 8

Who are the people at risk of getting hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

The following groups of people are at an increased risk of getting hepatitis B infection-

Individuals with multiple sex partners 
Healthcare workers 
Baby born to an infected mother
Individuals who share syringes or needles 
Patients on hemodialysis

Question 9

How is hepatitis B infection prevented or treated?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent Hepatitis B infection by taking the hepatitis B vaccine. 
Treatment for acute hepatitis B infection
In most cases, if the infection is acute (short-lived), it will subside on its own, and no specific treatment is required in most of the cases. Your healthcare provider may treat you based on your symptoms. 
Treatment for chronic hepatitis B infection 
Individuals with chronic infection may require treatment for their entire duration of time. Treatment includes the use of antiviral drugs like entecavir, tenofovir, etc., and interferon injections. Your healthcare provider will recommend the drugs based on your clinical status. For individuals who have a damaged liver, liver transplantation may be suggested. You can replace your damaged liver with a healthier liver from a deceased donor or healthier donors (these individuals donate a small portion of their liver).

Question 10

Can a pregnant woman infected with hepatitis B infection ensure her baby does not get hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Hepatitis B infection can be prevented in newborns by a combination of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine. These shots must be administered at appropriate time intervals. Follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider.   
Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.

Hepatitis B surface antigen test

Table of contents

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What is the HBsAg test used for?

What is included in the HBsAg test?

Procedure for the HBsAg test

How to prepare for the HBsAg test?

Things to consider after the HBsAg test is complete.

What types of infection can the HBsAg test detect?

How much does the HBsAg test cost?

How long does it take to get the results for the HBsAg test?

What do abnormal HBsAg test results indicate?

Is the HBsAg test a definitive test?

How to read the HBsAg test report?

Why book an HBsAg test?

HBsAg test at home – how does it work?

Are there any risks involved with the HBsAg test?

What can affect the results of the HBsAg test?

For further assistance

Frequently asked questions | FAQs